EP2603129B1 - Connecting pipe for suction cleaner - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a connecting piece for a vacuum cleaner, wherein the connecting piece is connectable to a suction opening of a vacuum cleaner and a suction hose, and on the connecting piece a locking element is arranged, which is fixable in a locking position in which the connecting piece by the locking element on the suction opening , And in an unlocking position, in which the connecting piece is detachable from the suction port, can be brought, and the locking element is arranged on the connecting piece, that it can deform the suction hose in the unlocked position.

Background of the invention

The German utility model DE 9214223 U1 discloses a coupling for connecting a vacuum cleaner hose to a connector having a circumferential internal groove. As a connecting member between the hose and the connecting part is a sleeve into which the hose is inserted and secured there. In the shell of the sleeve is formed by axial slots a deflectable locking element, which has the shape of a tongue. The locking element is deflectable against its own spring force. On its back, the locking element has a locking cam, which is deflectable when inserting the sleeve into the connecting part of the connecting part and designed for latching engagement in the inner groove of the connecting part. The locking element can be deflected to disengage the locking cam.

From the German patent application DE 4240913 A1 a vacuum cleaner hose with a coupling element for releasable connection to a hollow connection part is known. At a detachable end of the vacuum cleaner hose is a hose sleeve arranged, which is firmly connected to the vacuum cleaner hose. On the hose sleeve individual locking tongues are integrally formed with its one end via a film hinge. As a result, the locking tongues relative to the hose sleeve are movable. At the locking tongues in each case a radially outwardly projecting locking cam is formed, which engages in a locking groove of the connecting part. To release the locking cams from the locking connection with the locking groove, the locking tongues are depressed on their gripping surface. Such a depression is possible due to the elasticity of the vacuum cleaner hose, since this can be deformed accordingly.

In the European patent specification EP 0803225 B1 an arrangement for releasably connecting a suction nozzle is described. By a locking element of the arrangement of the suction nozzle is releasably coupled to the suction port. The locking element has an annular part on which two radially outwardly projecting locking cams are formed, which engage under a formed on a wall portion of the suction opening of the vacuum cleaner latching projection, so that the suction nozzle is held on the vacuum cleaner housing in the suction opening.

The German patent application DE 10 2004 038 630 A1 , which corresponds to the preamble of independent claim 1, discloses a coupling having a first tubular coupling element, which has a latching groove and a second tubular coupling element, which has two opposite latching lugs which engage in the coupled state of the coupling in the latching groove. A groove flank facing the second coupling element during coupling of the coupling elements has two opposite sections which are elastically movable inwardly due to U-shaped interruptions and thus resulting tongues. A decoupling is prevented when the relative rotational position of the first coupling element and the second coupling element is selected so that the locking lugs do not completely overlap the inwardly movable portions of the groove flank of the locking groove.

The problem underlying the invention

The invention has for its object to provide a comparison with the prior art improved connection piece for a vacuum cleaner. In particular, should a connection piece can be provided which can be fixed more reliably in a suction opening of a vacuum cleaner part.

Inventive solution

The reference numbers in all claims have no limiting effect, but are only intended to improve their readability.

The solution of the problem is achieved by a hose nozzle with the features of claim 1.

Through a connection piece, a connection for a suction air flow between a suction opening of a vacuum cleaner part and a suction hose can be made. For this purpose, the suction hose can e.g. be connected to the connecting piece by gluing, plugging or welding. In order to enable a releasable connection between the suction hose and the vacuum cleaner part, the connecting piece can be connected to the suction opening of a vacuum cleaner part in which it can be fixed by the locking element in the locking position. The vacuum cleaner part may e.g. be the housing of the vacuum cleaner, in which the suction air flow can be passed through the suction port to a Staubabscheideeinheit. The vacuum cleaner part may also be a handle, a suction pipe or a nozzle. Typically, a spigot has two openings for allowing the suction air flowing inside the suction hose to flow from the suction hose to the suction port when the spigot is connected to the vacuum cleaner part. Through one of these openings, e.g. The suction hose should be inserted into the connecting piece in order to be connected to the connecting piece. The other opening may correspond to the suction opening.

The latching element can be brought into the unlocking position and into the locking position, that is, it can be moved relative to the connecting piece in order to enable the detachable connection between the suction hose and the vacuum cleaner part. Between the locking position and the unlocking position, the locking element Of course, assume further intermediate positions in which the connecting piece is also fixed by the locking element in the suction opening.

Characterized in that the suction hose can be elastically deformed in the unlocked position by the locking element, the suction hose can exert a restoring force on the locking element, by which the locking element can be brought from the unlocked position into the locking position. A conventional suction hose is namely elastically deformable and can therefore, after it has been deformed, return to its original shape, where it can exert the restoring force on the locking element. This restoring force can allow a secure fixation of the connecting piece to the suction opening, since the restoring force advantageously acts at least on the locking element when it has been deflected from the locking position to the unlocking position. In other words, by the restoring force of the suction hose can be advantageously achieved that the latching element without the influence of external forces or at a restoring force counteracting resulting force, which is less than the restoring force, is in the locking position and secures the connection piece in the suction opening ,

The inventors have recognized that by a deformable suction hose the springback properties of the locking element can be supported in the locking position or even completely taken over to relieve the locking element and thus to achieve a longer service life. A locking element with a longer service life can fix the connecting piece advantageously more reliably at the suction opening. In addition, the inventors have recognized that the connection piece can be fixed by a deformable suction hose even more secure at the suction opening of the vacuum cleaner, since the restoring function of the locking element of the suction hose at least partially accepted and thus can be separated from the fixing function of the locking element. Another advantage of the locking element according to the invention, which can be brought into the locking position by the suction hose, may be a simplified construction of the connecting piece, since the suction hose can take over the function of a return element and thereby the number of components of the connecting piece can be reduced.

An evasive window in the sense of the present invention has a continuous peripheral edge, by which the surface of the evasive window is determined. The area of the escape window can therefore be limited by the connection piece. This means that the connecting piece extends beyond the escape window, ie does not end with the escape window. The escape window can also differ from the openings of the connecting piece, which can be traversed by the suction air flow, in that the circumference of the escape window extends outside the suction air flow and the suction air flow thus does not flow through the escape window. In fact, in order for the suction hose to be able to escape through the escape window, the circumference of the escape window can extend on the surface of the suction hose or be spaced therefrom.

The invention makes use of the fact that the connecting piece extends beyond the escape window and, as a result, the suction hose can be stabilized beyond the escape window in order to prevent kinking or evasion of the suction hose in the region of the escape window. The suction hose can thus be guided more securely in the region of the escape window through the connecting piece, so that it can be ensured at all times that the suction hose is deformed in the unlocked position by the locking element and exerts a restoring force. Therefore, the suction hose can ensure that the locking element is in the locking position and does not move unintentionally into the unlocked position. In this way, an unintentional loosening of the connecting piece can be prevented, which can lead to a more reliable fixation of the suction hose to the suction opening.

Another achievable advantage of the escape window can be a longer service life of the suction hose. Namely, the suction hose can escape through the escape window if it is deformed by the latching element in the unlocked position. As a result, the suction hose is less elastically deformed and thus less stressed, so that it can be longer lasting. In addition, it can be achieved that due to the lower elastic deformation of the suction hose less force must be expended to bring the locking element of the locking position in the unlocked position. This can allow a more comfortable operation of the connection piece and / or the use of a commercially available suction hose. The suction hose does not have to be at the point where it deforms is to be designed, particularly easily deformable. Next, a connection piece can be easily manufactured with the escape window according to the invention.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, locking element and escape window overlap in the axial direction of the connecting piece at least partially. The axial direction of the connecting piece may be the direction of the longitudinal extension of the intake. Usually, the connecting piece flows through the suction air stream in normal operation in the axial direction. During normal operation, the suction hose is attached to the connection piece and the connection piece is connected to the suction opening. Particularly preferably, the escape window begins or ends with the latching element in the axial direction. The locking element can also extend in the axial direction over the entire length of the escape window, so are at the same height. A latching element and an escape window, which overlap at least partially or even located at the same height, can allow improved evasion of the suction hose in the unlocked position of the locking element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the maximum extension of the escape window in the axial direction corresponds to the maximum extent of the latching element in the axial direction. The axial extension of the escape window can in this case be between 90% and 110% of the axial extent of the latching element. The extension of the escape window and that of the latching element can also be referred to as longitudinal extension. Due to the fact that the maximum extension of the escape window corresponds to that of the latching element, an optimal deflection of the suction hose can be achieved, since this is deformed predominantly over the length of the latching element. In addition, the escape window can thereby have an optimal size, which can allow evasion of the suction hose and at the same time a sturdy connection piece. Of course, embodiments of the invention are conceivable in which the axial extent of the escape window exceeds the axial extent of the latching element.

The invention further development is preferably provided that the escape window is arranged on a jacket wall of the connecting piece. The jacket wall is in this case the part of the connecting piece which encloses the suction hose attached to the connecting piece. In a connecting piece, which encloses the suction hose, the suction hose can be deformed in the unlocked position inwards and exert a restoring force on the locking element, which is directed radially outward. Particularly preferably, the latching element is arranged on the jacket wall. The latching element can be arranged on the connecting piece such that at least part of the latching element can be moved radially inwards from the locking position in order to bring the latching element into the unlocking position. The suction hose can be connected to the spigot by being inserted into the spigot as far as a stop, in order, in this mounted position, e.g. to be held by an adhesive or stretched connection in the spigot. If the suction hose is now surrounded by a jacket wall on which the escape window is located, the suction hose can escape outward through the escape window, so that it can advantageously have any desired volume for evading it. Such a construction can thus be designed to save space and yet provide any volume for evading the suction hose available.

In a preferred embodiment of the connecting piece of the connecting piece is at least partially cylindrical. Particularly preferably, the connecting piece is at least partially tubular. The part of the connecting piece, which is tubular, can also be referred to as a pipe section. An at least partially cylindrical or tubular formed connecting piece can be easily prepared by conventional manufacturing methods, such as by injection molding. Particularly preferably, the latching element and / or the escape window are arranged on the part of the connecting piece, which is cylindrical or tubular.

In one embodiment of the invention, a part of the edge of the escape window adjoins the latching element. In this embodiment, the escape window and the detent element may be e.g. be separated by a bridge. The width of the web, so the distance of the edge of the escape window of the locking element is in this case particularly preferably less than the extension of the web along the escape window and / or the latching element.

According to the invention it is preferably provided that the locking element is connected via a hinge with the connecting piece. Through the joint, the movement of the latching element can be determined from the locking position to the unlocked position. But the locking element can also be deformed to be brought into the unlocked position and the locking position. Of course, the locking element according to the invention connected via a hinge and at the same time be elastically deformable to be brought into the unlocked position and the locking position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element is integrally formed on the connecting piece. "Integrally formed" means that the locking element and the connecting piece are made of a uniform material and form a common component. The locking element and the connection piece are therefore made in one piece. Advantageously, the connecting piece can thereby be made simpler and faster in a production step. Namely, the locking element does not have to be attached to the connecting piece in a second production step. In addition, it can be achieved that only one material is needed for the production, so that the material costs can be reduced. The integrally formed on the connecting piece locking element may e.g. be connected via a formed as a hinge hinge with the connection piece.

The invention further development is preferably provided that the locking element is tongue-shaped. The tongue-shaped latching element, which can also be referred to as a latching tab, is arranged via its tongue root on the connecting piece, wherein the tongue end is movable relative to the first connecting piece part. To bring the locking element from the locking position to the unlocked position, for example, the tongue end can be actuated. Particularly preferably, the locking element connected by a joint, which is located at the root of the tongue, with the connecting piece.

According to the invention, it is preferably provided that the connection piece can be fixed to the suction opening by means of a latching hook of the latching element. In order to establish a secure connection, the latching hook can be inserted into a corresponding latching surface, which can be e.g. at a locking groove, a latching ridge or a latching step of the suction opening, intervene. By the latching hook and the corresponding locking surface of the connecting piece can be securely held in the suction opening.

The present invention makes it possible, with simple structural and cost-effective means, to provide a connection piece which can be fixed more reliably in a suction opening. In particular, the connection piece can be easily produced due to a simplified construction.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings, to which the invention is not limited.

Fig. 1

einen Anschlussstutzen mit einem Saugschlauch in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

und schließlich

Fig. 2

einen Anschlussstutzen mit einem Saugschlauch in einer Seitenansicht.

They show schematically:

Fig. 1

a connecting piece with a suction hose in a perspective view;

and finally

Fig. 2

a connecting piece with a suction hose in a side view.

Detailed description based on one embodiment

In the following description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components.

In Fig. 1 a connection piece 10 for a vacuum cleaner with a suction hose 50 is shown in a perspective view. Fig. 2 shows the connecting piece 10 in a side view. The connecting piece 10 can with a suction port 41 of a vacuum cleaner 40, the in Fig. 2 is sketched to establish a fluid connection for a suction air flow between the suction hose 50 and the suction opening 41 of the vacuum cleaner 40, which is a vacuum cleaner housing. For this purpose, a first 11 and a second opening 13 are formed on the connecting piece 10. The end of the connecting piece 10 with the second opening 13 is as in Fig. 2 shown inserted into the suction opening 41 of the vacuum cleaner 40, so that via the second opening 13, a fluid connection to the vacuum cleaner part 40 can be made. The connecting piece 10 is connected to the suction hose 50, wherein the suction hose 50 is inserted through the first opening 11 in the connecting piece 10 and is connected thereto by an adhesive connection. Thus, a fluid connection for suction air to the suction hose 50 can be produced via the first opening 11. At the side of the first opening, the connecting piece 10 has a flexible portion 19. The flexible portion 19 is formed by slots and webs, so that the connecting piece 10 can be deformed in the region of the flexible portion 19. In this way it can be prevented that the suction hose 50 kinks during use on the connecting piece 10.

A portion 15 of the connecting piece 10 is cylindrical, on which two radially opposite tongue-shaped locking elements 20 are arranged. A nozzle axis 16 of the connecting piece 10 corresponds to the cylinder axis of the cylindrical portion 15. The suction hose 50 extends over the cylindrical portion 15, and is applied to an inner surface 17 of the connecting piece 10 at. The two locking elements 20 can each be in a locking position in which the connecting piece 10 is fixed by the locking elements 20 to the suction port 41, and in an unlocking position, in which the Connecting piece 10 is detachable from the suction port 41, brought. The two tongue-shaped locking elements 20 are integrally formed on the connecting piece 10 and connected via a trained as a film hinge joint 23 at its tongue root with the connecting piece 10. In the Fig. 1 and 2 For reasons of illustration, the locking elements 20 are each shown only in the locking position.

At the locking elements 20 each have a latching hook 21 is integrally formed, through which the connecting piece 10 is securely fixed to the suction port 41. For this purpose, the latching hook 21 engages in the locking position in a corresponding latching surface 43, which is located on a latching groove 45, a. In the unlocking position, which is not shown in the figures, the latching hook 21 has left the latching groove 45, so that the connecting piece 10 can be removed from the suction opening 41.

In the locking position, the locking elements 20 also form part of the inner surface 17 of the connecting piece 10, on which the suction hose 50 is applied. Now, if the locking elements 20 are moved radially inwardly to be brought into the unlocked position, the suction hose 50 is deformed, and thereby exerts a restoring force. The locking elements 20 are thus arranged on the connecting piece 10 that they can deform the suction hose 50 in the unlocked position. This restoring force of the suction hose 50 counteracts the force by which the locking elements 20 were brought into the unlocked position. By the restoring force, the locking elements 20 can then be brought back into the locking position, if no forces acting on the locking elements 20, the resulting, the restoring force counteracting force is lower than the restoring force itself. So by the restoring force of the suction hose 50 can be ensured in that the latching elements 20 are in the intended operation of the vacuum cleaner or after insertion of the connecting piece 10 into the suction opening 41 in the locking position and secure the connecting piece 10 in the suction opening 41.

Since the suction hose 50 rests against the inner surface 17 of the connecting piece 10 and the locking elements 20 form a part of the inner surface 17 in the locking position, the locking elements 20 through the suction hose 50 can not on the Locking position to be moved out. Namely, the suction hose 50 can exert only a restoring force when the locking elements 20 have been brought from the locking position in the direction of the radially inwardly oriented unlocking position.

At the connecting piece 10, two radially opposite escape windows 30 are further formed, each having a closed peripheral edge 31. The connecting piece 10 thus does not end with the escape window 30, but extends beyond the escape window 30, so that the area of the escape window 30 is limited by the connecting piece 10. Characterized in that the connecting piece 10 extends beyond the escape window 30 and also has a flexible portion 19, kinking of the suction hose 50 within the connecting piece 10, in particular in the region of the escape window 30, can be avoided. This ensures that the suction hose 50 can bring the locking elements 20 by its restoring force in the locked position. The suction hose 50 is namely at any time radially between the two locking elements 20 and can not escape due to the guide through the cylindrical portion 15 of the connecting piece 10. If the suction hose 50 is deformed by the latching elements 20 in the unlocked position, the suction hose 50 can be pressed laterally through the escape windows 30 so that the suction hose 50 can escape through the escape windows 30 in the unlocked position of the latching elements 20. As a result, the suction hose 50 is less elastically deformed and thus remains longer lasting.

The escape windows 30 are arranged radially opposite to a jacket wall 18 of the connecting piece 10 and are located in the axial direction of the connecting piece 10 at the same height with the two latching elements 20. The escape windows 30 and the latching elements 20 thus overlap in the axial direction of the connecting piece 10, wherein the maximum extent of the escape window 30 in the axial direction corresponds to about 90% of the maximum extent of the latching elements 20, and thus corresponds to the maximum extent of the latching elements 20 in the context of the present invention.

With respect to the cross section of the connection piece 10 perpendicular to the nozzle axis 16, the escape windows 30 and the latching elements 20 each extend over one Angle range of about 85 °, whereby a part of the edge 31 of the escape window 30, namely the part of the edge 31 which extends in the axial direction of the connecting piece 10, adjacent to the locking elements 20. Here, between the locking elements 20 and the escape windows 30, a web 33 whose width is less than its extension in the axial direction, ie along the escape window 30 and the locking elements 20th

In addition, the centroids 35 of the escape windows 30 are offset with respect to an axial cross section in each case by 90 ° to the centroid points 25 of the latching elements 20. In the axial cross-section, the cross-sectional area is oriented perpendicular to the extension direction of the connecting piece 10 and thus is perpendicular to the nozzle axis 16. The escape window 30 and the locking elements 20 are thus arranged so that on the nozzle axis 16 perpendicular distances that from the nozzle axis to each the centroids 25 and the centroids 35 lead, in a projection on a surface which is perpendicular to the nozzle axis 16, form a right angle to each other. For illustrative purposes, an axial cross section is not shown in the figures.

The present invention makes it possible, with simple structural and cost-effective means, to provide a connection piece which can be fixed more reliably in a suction opening. In particular, the connection piece can be easily produced due to a simplified construction.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various forms.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

spigot

11

first opening

13

second opening

15

cylindrical section

16

Stutz axis

17

palm

18

shell wall

19

flexible section

20

locking element

21

latch hook

23

joint

25

Centroid

30

evasive window

31

circumferential edge

33

web

35

Centroid

40

Vacuums part

41

suction opening

43

Rest area

45

locking groove

50

suction

Claims (10)

1. Connecting pipe (10) for a suction cleaner, wherein the connecting pipe (10) is able to be connected to a suction opening (41) of a suction cleaner part (40) and a suction hose (50), and a latching element (20) is disposed on the connecting pipe (10) which can be brought into a locking position, in which the connecting pipe (10) is able to be fixed by the latching element (20) to the suction opening (41), and into an unlocking position, in which the connecting pipe (10) is able to be released from the suction opening (41), and the latching element (20) is disposed on the connecting pipe (10) such that it can deform the suction hose (50) in the unlocking position, characterised in that a deflection window (30) is embodied on the connecting pipe (10), in order to make it possible for the suction hose (50) to deflect in the unlocking position of the latching element (20).
2. Connecting pipe (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that latching element (20) and deflection window (30) overlap at least partly in the axial direction of the connecting pipe (10).
3. Connecting pipe (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the maximum extent of the deflection window (30) in the axial direction corresponds to the maximum extent of the latching element (20) in the axial direction.
4. Connecting pipe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the deflection window (30) is disposed on an outer wall (18) of the connecting pipe (10).
5. Connecting pipe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting pipe (10) is embodied at least partly cylindrical in shape.
6. Connecting pipe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a part of the edge (31) of the deflection window (30) adjoins the latching element (20).
7. Connecting pipe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the latching element (20) is connected to the connecting pipe (10) via a joint (23).
8. Connecting pipe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the latching element (20) is moulded in one piece on the connecting pipe (10).
9. Connecting pipe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the latching element (20) is embodied in the shape of a tongue.
10. Connecting pipe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting pipe (10) is able to be fixed to the suction opening (41) by a latching hook (21) of the latching element (20).

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